I am doing this ride to honour the courage of Emma Love, the brave and beautiful 12 year old granddaughter of our dear friends Allan and Lee Love who is tenaciously fighting a very aggressive and virulent form of cancer and has done for 2 years. Emma is fortunate to have a wonderful family, is receiving outstanding medical care and despite her own challenges, Emma is supporting her friends at The Brisbane Royal Children’s Hospital also fighting or have succumbed to cancer.

I am going to undertake the 200 km Ride to Conquer Cancer in 4 weeks’ time, the proceeds of which will support breakthrough research, exemplary teaching, and compassionate care at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, a worldwide leader in cancer research and discovery and one of the largest research institutes in the southern hemisphere.

Allan and Lee have told us that the oncology ward of the Brisbane Royal Children’s Hospital is overflowing with children suffering from and being treated for cancer which is very distressing and the kick in the arse for me to do something, albeit quite minor in the grand scheme of things, to make a contribution.

Globally there has been an increase in the incidence of children diagnosed with all forms of invasive cancer, particularly amongst girls. This fact is amplified with figures released by the Cancer Council Queensland which show a steady rise in the national incidence of cancer among girls aged under 15. Dr Joanne Aitken from Cancer Council Queensland says scientists are baffled by a recent change in childhood cancer rates. Dr Aitken said if the cause of this rising incidence among girls could be found, then it may shed new light on a range of puzzling aspects about cancer across the population.

Anyone who knows me will appreciate that I am averse to asking for help of any kind. This is one great exception and a very compelling reason why I am pleading for you to contribute to this wonderful cause. The family has rallied around Emma and she is receiving the best possible support, particularly from her medical team and carers which has been exceptional. As a community we must do what we can to support cancer sufferers and their families and get behind cancer research and rid the world of this insidious disease.

I appreciate that these are tough times and some may not have the means to contribute as much as they would like, however any amount would enormously appreciated. If you can afford a larger donation and/or a corporate sponsorship (tax deductable), be assured that this is a wonderful and very worthwhile cause.

17 Oct 2013 10:36 PMShock News - Team Captain diagnosed with Leukaemia 3 days before Sydney RTCCVision Crusaders Grand Slam team captain and the man with the dream to completing all 6 Rides to Conquer Cancer event in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Auckland and Adelaide was unexpectedly diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia just 3 days before the team completed their second RTCC event. This amazing team has raised $175,000 towards Cancer Research so far in support of completing the Grand Slam.More...Klaus Bartosch1st Available Ltdwww.1stavailable.com.au

8 Aug 2013 12:47 PMGrand Slammers on Ten NewsEach year, thousands of cyclists take part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer.. but not one of them has ever done six charity rides in a year. But that's the aim of a group of Queenslanders who are calling in some big names to help.More...Support PersonInology Australia Pty Ltdwww.inology.com.au

21 Jul 2013 5:22 PMA very personal blog - following some bad newsThis is a very personal Facebook post by the Vision Crusaders Team Captain, who has consented to have it shared here. It was prompted by some bad news. Please take the time to read it and feel free to share. It's important.More...Klaus Bartosch1st Available Ltdwww.1stavailable.com.au